Links

Common Cause – using our values to change the world
How should we campaign against the cuts. “Common Cause” was a study done by a number of organisations, lead by the World Wildlife Foundation, drawing on psychology that argues for campaigning with the same values we would like to see in the world. This would mean avoiding a focus on what people earn or stereotpying people, but emphasising a focus on positives like community and sharing. For more information please see a short summary used in our group meeting, or see the full report on the World Wildlife Fund site.

Talks

Frances Potter (Sheaf Citizens Advice Bureau) talk. Frances argues that given the complexity and unreliability of the welfare system there is a strong need to reform, where simplification and combination of tax and benefit system would be a positive aim. However, any good intentions are currently being lost in the jumble of initiatives to cut benefits and wider social support, with “localisation” making it harder to support those in need. You can see her 2013 talk on the video here (Youtube 20 min), and see updated slides and text from 2014 here (PowerPoint 2MB)

A spiral from birth to death in Sheffield, with statistics on inequalities across the city

Levels of benefit fraud are very low compared to that unclaimed, or other kinds of fraud

Cuts fall most heavily on those most in need

Simon speaks on how the burden of cuts falls most heavily on those with severe disabilities, due to half of all cuts falling on welfare and local government, despite these areas making up just 25% of government spending. He also argues that positive welfare reform is needed, but that what is happening now is effectively the opposite of what is needed. You can see his talk on the video here (Youtube 27min) and see the slides here (PDF 2.14MB).

I was really pleased to find your flyer at the Library – I’ve spread the word round all my contacts, so please make sure that there’s plenty of room at the Quaker Meeting House! There are also likely to be quite a few wheelchair users. I’m looking forward to taking action to combat these appalling changes. See you then. Jasmine